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Lawmakers Say Budget Impasse Hurting Black Population

Lawmakers from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus say the state’s budget stalemate is having a big impact on the black population as youths miss out on financial aid for colleges and after-school programs.

The group called at a Monday news conference for an end to the standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders so those programs can continue. Black legislative leaders say they’ve prepared a report to be released later highlighting specific areas that need funding.

Illinois has been operating without a spending plan since July 1, with Democrats who control the Legislature and Rauner disagreeing over how to proceed.

Democrats want a tax increase and spending cuts to address a multibillion-dollar deficit. Rauner wants changes in laws to make business operations cheaper and to curb union power